HLP authorises party chief to decide on merger

Shimla, Jul 23 (PTI) Himachal Lokhit Party (HLP), formed by BJP dissidents ahead of Assembly polls in 2012, today deferred the final decision on merger of the party with BJP or AAP and authorised its chief, Maheshwar Singh, to take a final call on the issue.

The state executive of HLP, in which district presidents were also present, met at Kullu to discuss the issue but was divided with many top leaders in favour of merger with AAP, a senior HLP leader.

The HLP leaders had quit BJP on the issue of corruption and many of them are of the view that joining AAP was a better option, the leader said.

A large number of HLP leaders, who had joined BJP on the eve of Lok Sabha elections in 2014 were not given due recognition and are either inactive or sulking. This is one of the reason why middle rung party leaders are wary of merger with BJP, a senior party leader claimed.

HLP chief Maheshwar Singh, the lone MLA of the party, said, "I will hold discussions with BJP or AAP leaders before taking any decision. It is my duty to safeguard the interest of my people. Whatever we decide, respect and recognition of my party leaders would be a pre-condition."